Luteolin as a Cancer Therapeutic: From Preclinical Evidence to Translational Potential

Cancer, a condition marked by the atypical development and multiplication of cells that may acquire aggressive properties, ranks among the foremost causes of mortality globally. Because of the problems with existing chemotherapy medications, cancer therapeutic research is being conducted to find substitute treatment approaches that are less harmful to healthy cells. The application of flavonoids has become a prominent area of interest in cancer therapy research. Luteolin, 3',4',5,7-tetrahydroxyflavone, is a common flavonoid that may be found in many plants and medicinal herbs. Luteolin-rich plants have been used to cure a variety of illnesses, including cancer, inflammatory conditions, and hypertension. Targeting cellular processes such as apoptosis, angiogenesis, migration, and cell cycle progression, luteolin's anticancer properties have been thoroughly studied in a variety of cancer types. It interacts with several proteins and signaling pathways to accomplish this. The development of contemporary luteolin research is outlined in this study, with an emphasis on preclinical data and translational prospects. This article reveals the chemistry, structure-activity relationship, and extraction techniques of luteolin. It explores pharmacological activities, mechanism of action, and advancements in nanoformulation strategies. Furthermore, it explains how luteolin's potential as a cancer treatment is demonstrated from preclinical proof to translational capability.